Closing out the decade that was 2019

Not sure how to sum up the year 2019. I'm having a hard time gathering words on how to describe my thoughts. If it is difficult to come up with words, I have to say it was a pretty good year. I will share the highlights that closes out the decade on a positive note. From training to performances, here are the moments that made 2019 special.

February: As I have stated before, my thirties have been wonderful so far and I intend to keep it that way. On my thirty third birthday, I got to see Dane Cook perform live in Albany. This was a moment fifteen years in the making. A high school friend introduced me to him by CD in 2003. Even though it took a long time to make it a reality, the performance was fantastic and it was well worth the wait.

The next night, Nick DiPaolo taped his comedy special, A Breath of Fresh Air, in Cohoes at the Music Hall. That was exciting being part of the audience hearing new material.

March: I attended an iCryo grand opening in Clifton Park. Had the privilege to meet Paige Hathaway, a popular social media figure in the fitness world. 

iCryo Grand Opening in Clifton Park with Paige Hathaway.

April: Closing out the month, I participated in my first Spartan Race. It was crazy doing the Beast (13+ mile) first, I was confident that I could complete it. Despite the struggle, I completed the race. Not too long after that, I signed up for a couple more before the year was out. Boston Super in August and Vermont Sprint one month later. The Vermont race was pretty special because I got to help Marla complete her first Spartan race. Also, I earned my Spartan Trifecta, three races in one calendar year. Can't wait to do another Spartan Race in the new year. I would totally recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun, adventurous, and challenging event.

May, completed my fifth marathon in Denver, Colorado (Colfax Marathon). Had a wonderful time visiting the Mile High City for the first time. It was the farthest I have ventured in the United States. After landing back home in Albany, I decided to visit that state again in the future. Want to see more of what that state has to offer.  Read Full Recap Here.

November, completed a major marathon in New York City (New York City Marathon). This was my first time raising money for a charity organization. I joined up with the Alzheimer's Association to support a cause that I care about deeply. This mission was nearly three years in the making. After watching the event on television for two years, I wondered if the organization participated in a prestigious race like New York City. When I saw that they had a team, I made it my mission to be a part of the experience.  I learned so much about myself leading up to the event from training to fundraising techniques. So many family, friends, and organizations made this experience possible and I will never forget that. After completing the race, that was one of the most enjoyable events I participated in. Read Full Recap Here.

Alzheimer's Association luncheon. Photo: Creative Focus Designs

New York City Marathon 1st Avenue. Photo: Creative Focus Designs

This might not look like much. I can tell you that it was a very exciting and eventful year. I hope your year was wonderful just like mine. Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous new year. Until next time in 2020.

-MJ

New York City Marathon

Photo: Creative Focus Designs Inc.

Hello everyone. It has been almost six months since my last race recap. On Sunday, I ran in one of the most prestigious races in the world, the New York City Marathon. Right now, I am in recovery mode giving you my thoughts on my performance. It was not what I wanted but I made sure to take in the experience. I ran for an organization that I care about deeply, Alzheimer's Association. Right away, I want to thank them including the New York City Chapter for having me on the team. It was wonderful meeting so many amazing people that came together for a common cause, ending Alzheimer's disease once and for all. The luncheon at the Wilson NYC was a great opportunity to meet the runners to tell personal stories and running experiences. It was a wonderful weekend in New York City. Now, on to the race.

My objectives going into the race were run at a controlled pace going into Manhattan at 1st Avenue (Mile 16) then increase it to Marathon Pace for the remainder of the race. Conserve energy on the hills and/or bridges. Draft other runners to conserve energy but do not get stuck in a rut following those much slower than me. The most important one is improve fueling my body during the race. I did not want to rely only on gels and hydration. I brought a few energy bars with me to help me move along.

Up in my hotel to look at the radio clock on the other side of the room. It says 4:02 AM (3:02). Ok, why is my phone alarm not going off? Did my hotel wake up call not go through? Oh wait, it is day light savings time. The clock in the room does not automatically reset. Laid down until it was time to get up (4:00). After some last minute packing of items for the start line and eating, it is time to walk to the bus on 59th street that will take me to the start in Staten Island. Departed Central Park South at 5:45 AM allowed me to rest my eyes prior to the arrival at Verrazano-Bridge.

Once I got off the bus and through security check points, I made my way to the charity tent to relax until my wave start at 10:10 AM, Wave 2 Corral B. The start was divided into three lanes with respective colors: Green, Orange, and Blue. Blue was on the far right of the course. As I sat in the tent waiting to start, I felt uneasy emotionally. Got up to stretch outside the tent. Focused on eating just prior to my wave opening at 9:30. Messed up the walking route to the corral thinking I could take a shortcut but was met with fences. Despite that mix up, still got into my respective corral on time. 9:50 the corrals start moving towards the start line just before the Verrazano-Bridge. This is really happening. I'm about to run in one of the biggest marathons in the world.

Do not be alarmed by the start cannon. Waiting to start, woman sings a wonderful rendition of America the Beautiful. After that, the DJ starts hyping up the crowd prior to the start. Cannon sounds and Frank Sinatra's New York, New York blares out of the speakers with confetti showering over all the passing runners.

Running up the Verrazano-Bridge, I wanted to have slow two miles to get ready for the rest of the race. First mile at 8:50 was exactly what I wanted to do. Once I came down the hill towards Brooklyn at Mile 2, it was way too quick (just above 8 minutes). Fuhgeddaboudit. Running through the second of five boroughs was a wonderful time. The crowds lining the street were cheering for all the runners. Feeding off their energy was very surreal. It was a preview for what to expect for the rest of the race.
Only stopped once for the bathroom (Mile 7) and took water stops every two miles. Felt bad I didn't see my family cheering me on including my sisters holding up signs for me. Thank you very much for coming out to support my cause.

My splits were still on target without dipping below 8 minutes going into Queens. A runner next to me projected vomit was a good way to welcome us into the next borough. Ate one of my energy bars with little trouble. Do not remember too much about Queens except for the crowds and thinking about the Queensboro Bridge to Manhattan. Mile 15-16 was one of my slowest stretches during the race. Running into Manhattan, I can hear the crowds cheering as I came off the bridge onto 1st Avenue.

The energy was second to none as I ran down the long stretch to the Bronx. The crowds were absolutely amazing cheering me and the 53,000+ runners to the finish in Central Park. Found the Charity Cheer Zone on 120th street. Great seeing Alzheimer's Association supports cheering us on as we passed. Had a couple photogenic shots from the photographer. On to the Bronx.

Leaving 1st Avenue, I was starting to tire. Having a hard time eating energy bars while running. Been eating gels every four miles. Did not bother consuming my last one. Looking for the finish. However, it was wonderful running into Harlem towards Central Park. That let me know the finish line is getting closer. The last couple water stops, I walked to them taking three cups.

Crowds cheering on both sides in Central Park. Want to cheer but all I am thinking about is the finish line. Where is my family? Where is my girlfriend? Just want someone to hug after I completed the race. 

My race plan went out the window many miles ago. I made it a mission to take in the experience listening to the crowds cheering on both sides of the street. I did not come this far to quit. Running through Central Park miles 23-25, I thought about the time I did a marathon training run three years ago for my very first marathon. Never thought in my wildest dreams to run in a world major marathon race with thousands of fans cheering you on from start to finish.  59th street along Central Park, the finish line is getting very close 800 meters to go. Through Columbus Circle onto West Drive towards the finish line 400 meters to go. Oh my gosh, it is really happening. I am going to finish this race. Crowds cheering on both sides of the barricades. There is the grandstands. I see the finish. Crossing the line at 67th street, I swing my fist in the air to let out to signal a tremendous accomplishment and relief that it is over.

After crossing the finish line, walking to the booth for my poncho, allowed me to reflect on what I just accomplished. Just get me to the hotel so I can see my loved ones. It was wonderful having Marla run up to me after I got into the hotel lobby to give me a hug. Legs are sore, heavy, and tired.

Not the performance I was hoping for. It did not stop me from taking in the experience from start to finish. The crowds, safety personnel, and runners made this very memorable for me. I'll never forget what I just accomplished. Thank you Mom, Dad, Marla, Jen, Kristen, and Kelsey for cheering me on. Thank you to everyone at the Alzheimer's Association (including the NYC Chapter) for having me on the team. Volunteers, bands, photographers, and safety personnel were wonderful.

Where do I go from here? I have a lot to work on for marathon distance running. Not going to dwell on this race. Use it as motivation to improve for future races. Implement a better balance of training, stretching, and diet so I go into events more confident. Until next time. Now, recovery mode has commenced.

IT WILL MOVE YOU. IT WILL INSPIRE YOU. IT WILL CHALLENGE YOU.

-MJ